Based on updated guidance from the Indiana governor and regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our office will be contacting patients individually regarding their pending diagnostic and treatment appointments. Beginning April 27th, both of our Fishers and Carmel locations will be resuming all clinical services. Please see additional information here:IVS COVID NEWS

Venous Ulcers

What Are Venous Ulcers?

Venous Ulcers are reoccurring or persistent wounds which are typically found in the lower legs. It’s not uncommon for venous ulcers to be treated in wound care centers for significant periods of time without much success. This is because the underlying problem is a poorly functioning vein. Varicose veins, over time, can result in increasing symptoms such as leg aching, pain, and swelling. This is a reflection of the increasing venous pressure from progressive valve failure inside the veins. Skin changes, such as dermatitis, may become evident over the medial aspect of the lower leg and ankle. Eventually, the skin can break down (ulcerate) with dramatic wounds that are challenging to heal.

What Are the Symptoms?

For most people, the ulcer is a final stage in a progressive problem which develops over years. Usually, the skin near or above the ankle becomes discolored, may lose elasticity, thicken, and become swollen and irritated. Leg swelling increases after prolonged time on your feet, at the end of the day, and can also be a result of high salt intake. Left untreated, the skin rash develops into an open wound which is persistent and responds poorly to wound care. Pictured: Wound Care with an Unna Boot.

How Are They Treated?

The most important step in treating a venous ulcer is a proper diagnosis and evaluation.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

By use of venous mapping with diagnostic Duplex ultrasound, areas of venous reflux can be identified and successfully treated with laser ablation and sclerotherapy. Used in combination with compression garments and wraps, these procedures can significantly reduce healing time and recurrences.

Vein Disease Diagnosis

Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore, modern vein disease diagnosis requires diagnostic techniques and tools to determine the cause and severity of the problem.
Depending on the results of your screening, we may recommend additional tests such as a diagnostic ultrasound to identify where and how badly your veins are damaged.
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Venous Treatment Phases

We take an "Inside-Out" Approach® to evaluation and treatment. During your initial consultation, it is very important to us that you have time to review the ultrasound scan with your provider. We will also review your history, symptoms, the scan, and initial exam to determine the next steps for evaluation.
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Conservative Measures

Conservative measures are often the first step in managing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). While these measures don’t treat the underlying issue of CVI, they do provide symptomatic relief and slow the development of other problems caused by CVI. They can also aid your recovery after treating varicose and spider veins.
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Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous laser ablation, also called endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), is a minimally invasive procedure that we use in our office to treat chronic venous insufficiency. EVLT uses the application of heat to seal bad veins.
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Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a specialized treatment for surface varicosities. The procedure is both safe and very effective. It involves injecting a sclerosant medication into the bad veins using ultrasound mapping, which causes the veins to close.
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